At the young age of 11, Tilly set an international age-graded record for the 5000m distance, clocking in at an impressive 17:22:70. That’s a whole 19 seconds faster than the previous age-graded world record holder! This little dynamo is proving to the world that age is just a number when you have raw talent and determination on your side.
The championships took place at the South Australia Athletics Stadium in Mile End, where Tilly not only held her own but went on to place a remarkable 6th overall out of 23 finalists in the Open Women’s Race, all while being the youngest athlete in the field by, oh, about 7 years.
Tilly already has a pretty stellar track record, no pun intended! At just 12 now, she holds the crown for the 2024 Under 15’s 3000m held in February this year, not to mention previous wins at the SA Cross Country in 2023 for both the Under 12 and Under 14 age groups. The little champ and student at Pulteney Grammar School also recently swept all the prestigious private school’s athletics records across multiple distances – 3000m, 1500m, 800m, and 400m.
But for Tilly, running isn’t just a sport – it’s her passion. She says it’s where “she feels the most alive and free”, and it’s where she truly shines. So, from all of us here at KIDDO, we want to extend a massive congratulations to Tilly. We can’t wait to see what other amazing things are in your future…now go do your homework!
Even though I’m really proud, running actually isn’t about gold medals or records to me to be honest. Records are made to be broken, and success means different things to different people. We are lucky to have so many talented athletes in South Australia doing amazing things. I run because I love it, not for medals or glory. I’m still just a kid! – Tilly
